Max short-listed for BBC Sports Personality

SOUTH ESSEX gymnast Max Whitlock has been shortlisted for the 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The last 12 months has seen Max take World Championship pommel silver and all-around 4th in 2013 and then in 2014 retain his British all-around title, become European pommel champion, take three gold, one silver and one bronze at the Commonwealth Games and then become World Championships all-around silver medallist just last month.

Max said: ““It’s an honour to be nominated as one of the top sports stars in the country.

“It’s still early in my career, and there’s a lot more I want to achieve, but I’m really pleased with my results this year and it’s great to be recognised for them.

“Although it’s down to me to perform on the day, there’s a whole support network behind me; my family, girlfriend, coach and teammates, and I couldn’t achieve what I have without them.

“I’m really looking forward to taking them to the awards and sharing the experience with them.”

The live, televised show is on December 14 and Max will be up against the likes Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and Real Madrid football star Gareth Bale.